The info below has the intention to provide some summary about watermelon crop in Brazil.

The graphic below indicates the distribution of watermelon crop by each geographic region in Brazil.  On the left side it is the % of production by region while on the right, it is the Brazilian regions duly identified by the map. The planted area was informed by IBGE (the Brazilian Official Entity for such information) in 2011, but no big change happens from that time on. IBGE planted area data used to be much higher than what the seed companies understand it is.

The graphic below indicates the different types of watermelon being cultivated in Brazil split by seedless, hybrid and open pollinated varieties.

Hybrid keeps growing during the last years as can be perceived on the graphic.  Seedless is still more focused for export, but there is some development in the domestic market.

Crimson Sweet dominates the market of OP varieties by far while in hybrids there are more and more options. For seedless there are less companies offering seeds than for regular seeded hybrids.

Market trends 

Trends reported for the watermelon market on recent years:

Increase pressure for diseases and insects, reduction of water availability for irrigation and consequently less area available for growing such crop.

On production aspects, we can also forecast a growing utilization for hybrids and an increase use of technology like drip irrigation, rootstock and better packaging to protect the fruits. We see also a reduction of labor availability.

Market is also looking for a longer post-harvest (shelf life) and a better traceability as well as a more consistent supply.

From consumer´s point of view, we see a growing demand for diversification (new fruit types) and small family size, as well as more focused on nutrition.

Below you see some types of hybrids being used on the market

Some aspects of packaging in Brazil.